Zookeeper

Mission Statement

Mandate: What do we do?

Museum Niederösterreich, with its Haus der Geschichte and Haus der Natur, presents themes related to and concerning Lower Austria. In doing so, we contribute to underscoring the Federal Province’s identity and self-awareness.

We regard it as a living museum, offering the citizens and friends of our province a broad educational avenue and thus creating a place for lifelong learning. Museum Niederösterreich’s exhibitions primarily consist of original pieces from Lower Austria’s collections.

Content: How do we do it?

In the architecturally unique building that houses Museum Niederösterreich in St. Pölten, all exhibits are prepared scientifically and in accordance with best modern practice. We impart knowledge playfully and ensure excitement in discovery. In addition to its permanent displays and sections with live indigenous animals, the museum regularly organizes special exhibitions. We see ourselves as cultural service providers, placing our visitors at the center of our activities.

Visitors: For whom do we do it?

Museum Niederösterreich is a very popular attraction for families and an establishment with a wide range of high-quality educational programs for schools. Competence, friendliness, exceptional educational value, a pleasant museum atmosphere and accessibility to almost all areas combine to make the museum so special.

Staff: How do we treat each other?

A strong “we” spirit prevails in our team that manifests itself in mutual appreciation, colleagueship and motivation. Every member of our team has clearly defined areas of responsibility. Communication and knowledge transfer are not one-way, we practice active and lively discourse. The quality of our displays and exhibitions, events and publications reflect our staff’s expertise and qualifications. These are continually developed, enabling us to look forward with confidence to the challenges of the future.

“Our Museum Niederösterreich – where Lower Austria is at home“

Architecture

The museum’s architecture, as a modern, multimedia discovery venue, sets new standards in the Austrian museum landscape. It is the first museum to merge – in an entirely innovative way – nature and history, weaving the two into one rich tapestry. The renowned architect Hans Hollein succeeded in the aim to combine different fields of knowledge into an exciting, informative whole in his first museum project in Austria.

More space, more service in Museum Niederösterreich.

The second phase of the museum’s expansion was planned by a young team of architects from Vienna, RATAPLAN, who carried out the construction projects carefully in keeping with Hans Hollein’s architectural vision. Additional amenities such as an elevator from the underground parking facility and a food and drink court with a glass pavilion for the warm season were added. The space between the “Festspielhaus” and Museum Niederösterreich and a new area for the history of the province were designed and developed.

The Regional Museum becomes Museum Niederösterreich

As of September 2017, not only the nature but the history of our province will be on permanent as well as changing display, too. This involves major restructuring, which will begin in August 2016.

The art section closed in July 2016 at what was formerly known as the Regional Museum. The Lower Austrian collection will be on display at the new Landesgalerie Niederösterreich in the autumn of 2018.

Chronicle

2016-04-25

The Lower Austrian Association of Regional and Cultural Studies receives Palais Caprara-Geymüller in Wallnerstraße, Vienna, thus the first seat of Museum Niederösterreich (then known as the Regional Museum.)

2016-05-02

The museum relocates to Palais Clary-Aldringen in Herrengasse 9, Vienna.

2016-05-02

Museum reopens after suffering heavy war damage. Becomes one of Austria’s most modern museums.

2016-05-02

The museum in Herrengasse, Vienna, closes.

2016-05-02

Cornerstone laid for Museum Niederösterreich – then still known as Regional Museum Niederösterreich – in the Cultural District St. Pölten by Provincial Governor Erwin Pröll and architect Hans Hollein.

2016-05-02

The modern, multi-functional museum opens in the Cultural District St. Pölten.

2016-05-02

Opening after further amenities (elevator from the underground parking facility, food and drink court with glass pavilion for the warm season) were added and the area between the “Festspielhaus” and Museum Niederösterreich - including a new area for Lower Austrian history - were designed and completed.

2016-05-02

Museum garden re-designed, with raised beds and play elements in the form of animals (courtesy of the Playground Office of the Lower Austrian Families Department) as a connection to the indoor Nature Zone.

2016-05-02

The Regional Museum becomes Museum Niederösterreich. As of September 2017, not only the natural history of our federal province but its history, too, will be on permanent as well as changing display. This step involves major restructuring, which began in August 2016.

Loaning & Repro

All matters pertaining to loaning and reproduction are handled by the Lower Austrian Provincial Collections, Department of Art and Culture, Bureau of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government. The Lower Austrian Provincial Collections manage approximately 6 million museum pieces owned by the Federal Province of Lower Austria.

Requests & Contact

Loaning

Due to the opening of the new "Haus der Geschichte" at Museum Niederösterreich in St. Pölten and the new "Landesgalerie Niederösterreich" in Krems, the Lower Austrian Provincial Collections are concentrating on their core task of collecting, preserving and studying. This is why, since January 1st 2016, loaning from some of the Lower Austrian collections has been stopped.

For example, loans from the regional & cultural studies, legal history and anthropology collections will not be possible until 1 September 2017, and from the art and toy collections until 1 March 2018. Thank you for your understanding. We kindly ask you to refrain from loan requests.

The Roman archaeology, prehistoric, ancient history and natural history collections are not affected.

Society for the Promotion of the Cultural District

Museum Niederösterreich, the “Festspielhaus” (concerts, dance, theater, opera) “Tonkünstler Orchestra NÖ” (orchestra in residence), the Lower Austrian Academy/”Landesakademie”, Lower Austrian Archives, the Lower Austrian Central Library, ORF Landesstudio (local radio broadcasting channel) “Bühne im Hof” (theater) - these and much more make up the St. Pölten Cultural District, which has long become the cultural center of Lower Austria.

As a friend and sponsor you will have exclusive access to these cultural activities, meet the artists and support the Cultural District’s institutions. You will receive personal invitations to private tours, discussions with the artists, architectural excursions, art trips, and much more.

You’ll be able to take a peek behind the scenes, join us in rehearsals, and experience art close up. Last but not least, you will also benefit from special offers provided by our partner society, the Friends of “Kunstmeile Krems” (Art Mile Krems.)